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Hi, I became a vegetarian last September (the month I had surgery.) I am now a vegan. I have never had problems getting Protein in (50-80 GRAMS A DAY.) I typically have a shake for Breakfast w/ soymilk, a large salad full of veggies w/ chickpeas for lunch, and my dinners switch up: 1. kale, sweet potato, & white bean coconut Soup 2. whole wheat Pasta w/ Beans & veggies 3. brown rice/quinoa with refried beans & roasted veggies (or skewer veggies 4. veggie burger meatloaf w/ roasted potato/carrots, celery & onions 5. Veggie Quesadilla 6. Falafel 7. veggie frozen dinner (like Amy's) 8. squash, zucchini, onions sauted with add in rice & kidney beans 9. veggie chili 10. boca chicken patty with corn on the cob 11. Saag Tofu (Indian saag panner dish made with tofu) I have great vegan cookbooks. My favorites are "La Dolce Vegan" by Sarah Kramer and "The 30 minute Vegan" by Mark Reinfeld & Jennifer Murray. Amanda

Okay - I am the oddball here. I am banded with no fill, but I am 10 months out. I was banded on September 5th and weighed 232. Since that date, I became a vegetarian, and then a vegan. Weight loss is not super quick, but steady. I am now 186, about half way toward my goal of 140. I decided that I have made such tremendous life changed (I was extremely out of control in my food addiction,) and I really am embracing this healthy life style. I decided that I have lost half the weight with the band (my lifesaver and only reason I am not 300 pounds today) and I now want to lose the other half without the band. So far I am loving it and more careful than when I had the lapband full. I feel like I was stranded in the middle of the ocean and the lapband was my lifeboat....It is time for me to swim...:thumbup:

I was constipated for 5 days after surgery. I am now 14 days out and I go every other day. I used to be very regular, but I guess that I am not getting the fiber I once ate. Also I went from 3000 calories a day pre-op to now 750-1200 cal a day.

I survived on tomato soup. I also put vegetable soup in a blender and made a creamy thicker blend. I ate sweet potato baby food. The cream of wheat was good. I also ate cottage cheese during my mushy phase (the whipped kind was good) Honestly, I survived mostly on Protein shakes (Isopure, Myoplex Light) tomato soup, cottage cheese, and 60 calorie sugar-free chocolate pudding. The mushy phase goes by quick and soft food gives you a ton of choices. Best, Amanda

I was banded on September 5th and am on soft foods. I started to eat more on mushy - 1 cup, but could eat more. I am now on soft and can eat more than 1 cup. I am trying to watch it. I was told that once I get fills, I won't be able to eat this much. Don't get frustrated. Best of luck. Amanda

I was self pay with Dr. Chau in New Jersey. I had surgery three weeks after my initial consultation. I met with the Dr. & nutritionist on August 13th, had my pre-admission testing on August 19th & had surgery on September 5th. The hospital wrote on their charts that this was "cosmetic surgery" which it absolutely was not - but they required their full payment of $8000 at the pre-admission testing date. The surgeon charged $5500 for his fees (reduced for cash pay - usually $7000.) I am waiting for the anesthesiologist bill. I was told that should be about $2000. I am hoping that I don't get any other bill for the meds I enjoyed in the hospital for my 1 overnight stay Altogether, I was charged about $16,000. I was not placed on a liquid diet (I had a 43 BMI and was told that liquid diets are advised for those with a 50 BMI.) I am happy with my decision although it really is a huge expense. It is the first thing I have done just for me in a long time. Enjoy your journey. Amanda Surgery date: September 5, 2008 Weight Loss: 8 1/2 pounds (it has been just one week!) Goal Loss: 100 pounds (91 1/2 to go)

Congratulations on your amazing success. :biggrin: I was banded last Friday (4 days ago) and have lost 6 pounds. I was up 5 pounds due to the swelling and gas after surgery, but it came off after 1 day. I hope to have your success. STAY STRONG, Amanda

Hi Michelle, We met at the hospital and you gave me the info for this site. I want to thank you and say hi! I have been given the advice on here to do a liquid Protein diet before. It is so hard. I binge every night after working hard during the day. How are you doing. Amanda